Know the Signs

Knowing and recognizing heart attack warning signs can save a life.

ER WAIT TIME

Average ED Wait Time in Minutes

Never more than a 30 minute wait

According to the American College of Cardiology, 785,000 Americans have their first heart attack each year. A heart attack can occur at any time- and they are not always sudden and intense. The Society of Chest Pain Centers reports that 50% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside of a hospital, suggesting that many people do not act on early warning signs. Only 27% of people surveyed were aware of all major heart attack symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1.

Knowing and recognizing heart attack warning signs can save a life. When it comes to your heart, every minute matters.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any sign or symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and go directly to the emergency room.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Heart attacks are not always sudden and intense. Many heart attacks start slowly with only mild pain or discomfort. Some people do not experience chest pain but instead have other signs. Signs of a heart attack include:

Chest discomfort

Uncomfortable pressure, heaviness

Squeezing, tightness

Possible burning

Discomfort lasts more than two minutes, may come and go

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body

One or both arms

Back

Neck, jaw

Stomach

Other signs (with or without chest discomfort)

Shortness of breath

Cold sweat

Nausea, vomiting

Light-headedness

Extreme weakness/fatigue

Warning Signs in Women

Women may have other, less common warning signs of heart attacks, including: